South India Temple & Heritage Tour – 22 Days

Tour Description

Discover the rich cultural heritage, magnificent temples, historic cities and beautiful landscapes of South India on this 22-day private tour. Beginning in Chennai and ending in Bangalore, this journey combines the architectural treasures of Tamil Nadu with the tranquil backwaters of Kerala and the hill stations and heritage cities of southern India.

Travel through Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Chettinad, Madurai, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kochi, Ooty and Mysore, experiencing some of the region’s most important temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic towns and cultural traditions.

Highlights include the ancient temples of Kanchipuram, the UNESCO monuments of Mahabalipuram, the French colonial charm of Pondicherry, the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, the historic temples of Madurai, Kerala’s spice plantations and backwaters, a traditional houseboat experience in Alleppey, Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances, the scenic hill station of Ooty, Mysore Palace and the gardens of Bangalore.

This is a private and flexible South India tour, ideal for travellers who want to experience India’s temples, history, architecture, cuisine and local culture at a relaxed pace.

22-Day Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN CHENNAI

Arrive at Chennai International Airport, where you will be met and welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu and an important gateway to South India.

The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey.

Overnight in Chennai.

DAY 02: CHENNAI SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour of Chennai. Visit some of the city’s important landmarks, including Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, St. Thomas Church, Marina Beach and Kapaleeshwarar Temple.

Explore the city’s blend of colonial heritage, Hindu traditions and modern South Indian culture.

Overnight in Chennai.

DAY 03: CHENNAI – KANCHIPURAM – MAHABALIPURAM

After breakfast, drive towards Kanchipuram, one of South India’s most important temple cities and a former capital of the Pallava dynasty.

Visit the magnificent Ekambareswarar Temple and Kailasanathar Temple, known for their impressive Dravidian architecture and ancient stone carvings. Kanchipuram is also famous for its traditional silk weaving.

Continue to Mahabalipuram, a historic coastal town renowned for its Pallava monuments.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 04: MAHABALIPURAM

After breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram.

Visit the spectacular Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance, an enormous rock relief depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. You will also have time to explore the local stone-carving tradition for which Mahabalipuram is famous.

Enjoy some time at leisure by the coast.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 05: MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry (Puducherry), a former French colonial settlement on the Bay of Bengal.

After checking into the hotel, explore the charming French Quarter, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Notre Dame des Anges and the lively Goubert Market.

Enjoy a walk through the atmospheric streets of the old French Quarter.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

DAY 06: PONDICHERRY – GANGAIKONDACHOLAPURAM – DARASURAM – THANJAVUR

After breakfast, begin your journey towards Thanjavur, travelling through the historic Chola heartland.

En route, visit the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram, built during the Chola period and recognised as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Great Living Chola Temples.

Continue to Darasuram to visit the magnificent Airavatesvara Temple, another outstanding example of Chola architecture.

Proceed to Thanjavur and visit the famous Brihadisvara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, one of India’s greatest examples of Dravidian architecture.

Overnight in Thanjavur.

DAY 07: THANJAVUR – TRICHY

After breakfast, drive to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli).

En route, experience the local culture and traditions of the region. On arrival in Trichy, visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, one of the most important Vaishnavite temples in India.

Later, visit the Rock Fort Temple, dramatically situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city.

Overnight in Trichy.

DAY 08: TRICHY – CHETTINAD

After breakfast, drive to Chettinad, the historic homeland of the Chettiar community.

Explore the region’s impressive traditional mansions, known for their elaborate architecture, courtyards and distinctive decorative details. Visit Thirumayam Fort and explore the surrounding area before continuing to Chettinad.

Overnight in Chettinad.

DAY 09: CHETTINAD

Spend the day discovering the unique culture and architectural heritage of Chettinad.

Explore the grand ancestral homes and traditional streets of the region and learn about the history of the Chettiar community. You may also experience some of Chettinad’s distinctive traditions and cuisine.

Depending on interest and local availability, optional experiences such as a village visit or traditional craft demonstration can be arranged.

Overnight in Chettinad.

DAY 10: CHETTINAD – MADURAI

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest and most culturally significant cities.

Visit the magnificent Thirumalai Nayak Palace, an impressive 17th-century palace known for its grand pillars and Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Continue to the spectacular Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of South India’s most famous temples, renowned for its colourful gopurams, intricate sculptures and vast temple complex.

In the evening, experience the atmosphere of Madurai’s traditional bazaars.

Overnight in Madurai.

DAY 11: MADURAI

Continue exploring Madurai after breakfast.

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which provides an insight into India’s independence movement and the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.

Later, visit Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple, one of the important pilgrimage sites associated with Lord Murugan.

Enjoy some free time to explore the local markets and streets of Madurai.

Overnight in Madurai.

DAY 12: MADURAI – THEKKADY

After breakfast, drive towards Thekkady, passing through the scenic landscapes of Kerala.

Thekkady is located in the heart of Kerala’s spice-growing region and is known for its cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and other plantations.

Later, enjoy a guided visit to a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation and traditional uses of Kerala’s spices.

In the evening, attend a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance, one of Kerala’s most distinctive cultural experiences.

Overnight in Thekkady.

DAY 13: THEKKADY

Today is dedicated to exploring the natural surroundings of Thekkady.

Enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake, surrounded by the forests of Periyar National Park. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats.

Optional activities such as nature walks, trekking, an elephant experience or an Ayurvedic massage can be arranged at an additional cost.

Overnight in Thekkady.

DAY 14: THEKKADY – ALLEPPEY HOUSEBOAT

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), widely known as the gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters.

Board your traditional Kerala houseboat and cruise through the tranquil backwaters, passing through narrow canals, paddy fields, villages and coconut plantations.

Enjoy the peaceful scenery and experience Kerala’s traditional way of life from the water.

Dinner and overnight stay on the houseboat.

DAY 15: ALLEPPEY – KOCHI

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kochi (Cochin).

Begin your sightseeing with Kochi’s historic heritage area. Visit St. Francis Church, one of India’s oldest European-built churches, the Santa Cruz Basilica and the famous Chinese fishing nets.

Later, explore the historic streets of Fort Kochi.

In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance, one of Kerala’s most distinctive classical art forms.

Overnight in Kochi.

DAY 16: KOCHI SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, continue exploring Kochi.

Visit Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) and the historic Jewish Synagogue in the old Jewish Quarter. Later, enjoy some time around Marine Drive and the waterfront.

The remainder of the evening is free to explore Kochi at your own pace.

Overnight in Kochi.

DAY 17: KOCHI – OOTY

After breakfast, leave Kerala and drive towards Ooty (Udhagamandalam), one of South India’s most popular hill stations.

The journey takes you through the scenic landscapes of the Western Ghats.

On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Ooty.

DAY 18: OOTY – COONOOR – OOTY

After breakfast, explore Ooty and the surrounding Nilgiri Hills.

Visit the Government Botanical Garden and the Rose Garden. Later, enjoy the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway journey from Ooty to Coonoor, subject to train availability.

In Coonoor, visit Sims Park and enjoy the scenic surroundings before returning to Ooty.

Overnight in Ooty.

DAY 19: OOTY – MYSORE

After breakfast, drive towards Mysore (Mysuru).

The journey takes you through the forested landscapes of the Western Ghats and the Mudumalai and Bandipur National Park areas, where you may have opportunities to spot wildlife along the route.

Continue to Mysore and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Mysore.

DAY 20: MYSORE SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, explore the heritage city of Mysore.

Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, one of India’s most impressive royal residences. Later, drive to Chamundi Hill to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple and enjoy panoramic views over the city.

Depending on time and interest, explore other local landmarks and markets.

Overnight in Mysore.

DAY 21: MYSORE – BANGALORE

After breakfast, drive to Bangalore (Bengaluru), the capital of Karnataka and one of India’s most dynamic cities.

On arrival, visit the Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, two of Bangalore’s important historical and cultural attractions.

Enjoy some free time in the city.

Overnight in Bangalore.

DAY 22: BANGALORE – DEPARTURE

After breakfast, enjoy some free time until your departure transfer.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Bangalore International Airport for your onward flight.

End of the South India Temple & Heritage Tour.